A “Virgin Snow” Tour of Buffalo’s West Side
We found that much of the old neighborhood has changed for the better.
Read more
The Joys and Perils of Writing a Sequel
Before I wrote the first word of my first novel, Virgin Snow, I knew it needed to be a trilogy and what it would be about. The idea was to follow the journey of the main character, Cosi McCarthy, a West Side girl from Buffalo, as well as the trajectory of the city itself, across […]
Sometimes Dreams Really Do Come True
There is nothing like a summer on the shores of Lake Erie!
When the West Side Goes to Wanakah
Every summer, when we packed up the old station wagon and made our annual trek to our summer cottage near Point Breeze, we would pass by a very large property on Route 5 that had a magnificent view of Lake Erie. There are two stone pillars near the entrance of the estate with the words, […]
Memories of the Historic Buffalo Blizzard of 1977
For the first time in American history, the President declared a “federal disaster” to address the devastating impacts of a winter storm.
The Special Joys of Sisterhood Weekends
There never seemed enough time at family gatherings for the three of us to have the “chick-chats” we had once dearly loved.
Reliving Our European Dream—in Buffalo, New York?
Where would you rather spend the month of August? In Europe or Buffalo?
Finding Inspiration on the Shores of Lake Erie
This summer, I will find a comfortable piece of driftwood and sit and stare at the water for a while.
Why “La Famiglia e Tutto” (Family is Everything)
Sicilians have a saying—La Famiglia e Tutto (Family is Everything)—and they live by what they say.
What is More Precious than a Lifelong Friend?
I was overlooking an essential ingredient in a long and happy life—the love and support of friends.
The Joys and Anxieties of “Stresstember”
I recently learned that September is a month of great trepidation for some people.
Fingy Conners, Wild Bill Donovan, and the “Irish” First Ward
On my most recent trip back to Buffalo, I decided to take a walking tour through a different part of the city.